The Nigerian Army, on Friday, released the King of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo, who had been in detention following the killing of 17 personnel in the Okuama community in Delta on March 14.

The traditional had surrendered himself after he was declared wanted alongside seven other suspects by the army in connection with the killing of about two dozen soldiers.

Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu handed Mr Ikolo over to the senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone.

While briefing journalists on the release of the traditional ruler, Mr Nwachukwu said the army authorities decided to release the royal father on bail to the senator after a preliminary investigation.

He said that while there was insufficient evidence of the traditional ruler’s culpability, it was too early to exonerate anyone from the dastardly act.

Army spokesperson said the manhunt for those who perpetrated the crime directly, supported or knew about it, was ongoing.

According to him, Mr Ikolo, whose domain the dastardly act took place, surrendered to the Nigeria Police, who handed him over to the Nigerian army.

The army spokesman said, “Since his surrender, the Nigerian Army has painstakingly reviewed every available information on the incident and has come to some preliminary observations and inferences.

“One of which is that, while culpability has not been conclusively established against the traditional ruler, there is insufficient evidence, to exonerate anyone at this stage.”

He added, “Nevertheless, on the intervention of distinguished Senator Dafinone, representing Delta Central, and his vouching for the monarch’s character, and the fact that the monarch voluntarily turned himself in for questioning, it has been decided that His Highness be released to the senator.

“He has agreed to act as surety for his release on the condition that he will always assist the army and other agencies of government investigating the Okuama killing incident to have access to the monarch whenever needed.”

Mr Nwachukwu said the release of the traditional ruler was in line with the army’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and justice. He encouraged others who wanted to make themselves available for questioning, ensuring they would receive fair and decent treatment.

The army spokesman further assured that anyone found culpable would be strictly subjected to constitutional provisions for handling such cases.

(NAN)